Listen to this Post
2024-12-06
This article outlines several upcoming changes to GitHub Actions that will impact users. Be sure to review these updates to ensure your workflows continue to function smoothly.
Heads Up! Ubuntu 24.04 Takes Over ubuntu-latest
From December 5th, 2024, the “ubuntu-latest” runner label will transition to Ubuntu 24.04. This new image boasts updated tools and packages, but also comes with a slimmed-down selection compared to Ubuntu 22.04. Certain packages have been removed to maintain free disk space, potentially affecting workflows reliant on them. Review a provided list to confirm if any removed packages impact your workflows.
Farewell, Ubuntu 20 Image
Following their N-1 OS support policy, GitHub will begin phasing out the Ubuntu 20 hosted runner image. It’s scheduled for full retirement by April 1st, 2025. Migrate your workflows to ubuntu-22.04 or ubuntu-24.04 to avoid disruptions.
Artifact Actions v3 Sunsets
Artifact actions v3 will be retired by January 30th, 2025. To ease the transition, GitHub will temporarily fail jobs using v3 of `actions/upload-artifact` or `actions/download-artifact`. Be prepared for potential build failures during scheduled brownout periods:
January 9th (5pm – 6pm UTC)
January 16th (3pm – 7pm UTC)
January 23rd (2pm – 10pm UTC)
Cache Storage Revamp
Starting February 1st, 2025, Actions’ cache storage will undergo an architectural shift. Consequently, versions v1-v2 of `actions/cache` and all versions of the `@actions/cache` package prior to 4.0.0 in `actions/toolkit` will be discontinued. Attempting to use these deprecated versions will lead to workflow failures. Refer to announcements in the `actions/cache` and `actions/toolkit` repositories for migration details. (Note: This change doesn’t affect GitHub Enterprise Server users.)
Network Allowlist Updates for Self-Hosted Runners and Azure
With the upcoming release of Immutable Actions, Actions will be stored as packages in the GitHub Container Registry. This necessitates updating your self-hosted runner’s allowlist to include traffic to `pkg.actions.githubusercontent.com`. This ensures successful downloads of Immutable Actions and avoids job failures during setup. If your allowlist already includes `.actions.githubusercontent.com`, no further action is needed. Additionally, traffic to `ghcr.io` will be required for publishing new versions of Immutable Actions in the future.
These updates also impact runners using the GitHub Connect feature in all versions of GitHub Enterprise Server. Customers are advised to update their network allowlists accordingly. Refer to the official documentation for detailed guidance on communication between self-hosted runners and GitHub. Furthermore, GitHub’s guidance for configuring Azure private networking has been revised to accommodate the new domains. The updated NSG template includes additional IP addresses.
Stay Informed About Breaking Image Changes
For a comprehensive list of all breaking changes to this month’s hosted runner images, visit the announcement page.
What Undercode Says:
These upcoming changes from GitHub represent both advancements and potential hurdles for users. Upgrading to Ubuntu 24.04 offers users access to newer tools and packages, but the removal of some packages in this image necessitates reviewing current workflows for compatibility. Likewise, while artifact actions v3 retirement and cache storage revamp aim to improve the service, they require migration efforts from users.
The updates to network allowlists for self-hosted runners and Azure private networking are essential for ensuring successful downloads of Immutable Actions once they launch. Users of GitHub Enterprise Server will also need to adjust their network settings accordingly.
Overall, these changes underscore GitHub’s commitment to continuous improvement. However, it’s crucial for users to stay informed and take necessary actions to mitigate potential disruptions to their workflows. By carefully reviewing the provided information and implementing the suggested adjustments, users can ensure a smooth transition and continue to leverage the full benefits of GitHub Actions.
References:
Reported By: Github.blog
https://www.quora.com
Wikipedia: https://www.wikipedia.org
Undercode AI: https://ai.undercodetesting.com
Image Source:
OpenAI: https://craiyon.com
Undercode AI DI v2: https://ai.undercode.help
